What to Bring to the Rally

[michal]

Hi friends,

I'm coming for my first in-person Rally this year. I'm flying in from Switzerland, so I want to ensure that I bring everything I need. What would you say is a must to bring to make as much as possible out of the Rally?

Here's what I'm thinking:
Laptop to take notes, a QR code with a link to my website/IMDb/LinkedIn, ten best tracks of mine on my phone, a few ready-to-publish albums of mine on my phone, Lightening to 1/4" headphone adapter

Anything else? Any other tips to get ready for the Rally?

Thank you.

Michal

[Casey H]

Swiss chocolates for all of us.
Pen and paper in addition to laptop, sometimes easier.
Business cards. If you already included that when you said QR codes, ignore. I would also print your email address and website the old fashioned way on the cards for those who are tech challenged.
Although CDs are not used as much anymore, I would still take a handful with me just in case. Occasionally someone will want one even though it's less and less how it's done. See posts later down this thread.

See ya there!
Casey

[michal]

Thanks a lot, Casey. Great idea about the chocolate. Let's do that! Free Swiss chocolate for the first 5 friends I'll make in The Line.

But seriously, very good advice, thank you. Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Michal

[michal]

Oh wow, fantastic! Thank you Graham, and, of course, thank you Casey!

[Casey H]

Its always worth a little look around in the forums ...
what-to-bring-to-the-road-rally-2016-ed ... ml#p355893

Thanks for sharing that! It's probably a little dated regarding how much you'll need CDs now, but as I suggested, it's still good to bring some. I should do a new one for 2022!

[fretman]

Regarding these CDs, are these to be

1) "Red Book" Audio CDs that normally get played back on standard CD players?

or

2) Data CDs with MP3s on them in a normal computer file structure, similar to what would go on USB sticks?

If 2) then I'll probably just bring USB sticks. Amazon (USA) has a sale right now on ten 2GB sticks for $17. That's only $1.70 each!
https://www.amazon.com/JUANWE-Drives-St ... 00W16DVA2/

Thank you, Paul

[michal]

Just wondering - if I give out my card with my website URL on it instead of a CD, and say "You can listen to my best tracks on my website", is this a good alternative to a CD?

If not, why?

[fretman]

Looking at the Happy Ending listings, it look like CDs are no longer accepted. You now have to submit to the proper listing:
S221023EN
S221024DG
S221024HA

[Casey H]

Looking at the Happy Ending listings, it look like CDs are no longer accepted. You now have to submit to the proper listing:
S221023EN
S221024DG
S221024HA

Yes, I was just coming here to correct what I said. Thanks!

[Casey H]

Regarding these CDs, are these to be

1) "Red Book" Audio CDs that normally get played back on standard CD players?

or

2) Data CDs with MP3s on them in a normal computer file structure, similar to what would go on USB sticks?

If 2) then I'll probably just bring USB sticks. Amazon (USA) has a sale right now on ten 2GB sticks for $17. That's only $1.70 each!
https://www.amazon.com/JUANWE-Drives-St ... 00W16DVA2/

Thank you, Paul

Always audio CDs per standard CD players. NOT mp3 CDs. I would not recommend USB sticks as many don't want to plug them into their computers, fearing viruses. As we've discussed, CDs aren't used much anymore but having a few handy just in case is still a good idea. Mentors, as far as I know, can plug their headphones into your phone. I think I mentioned earlier that if your phone requires a lightning to headphone jack adapter, bring one. Also, when you hand your device to the mentor, make sure the volume isn't set at blow out ear drums level.

In Driver's Ed classes, you *might* encounter a teacher who will give feedback on songs by having students submit a CD with a lyric sheet wrapped around it with a rubberband. Each class has a CD boom box player for the teacher. If you are seeking feedback on lyrical songs, bring a few lyric sheets (get them on one page!) and rubberbands.

Also... If you are attending the Eat and Greet Mentor lunch, you may want to have 6 CDs put aside just for that as mentors may collect CDs from the members at tables.

Best,
Casey